History Question of the Month

The Homestead Act of 1862 was passed to help populate of the west with farmers and was available to citizens and immigrants. Many of the homesteaders within our city boundaries were immigrants. Being new to our country and not speaking the language presented problems for some of those applying for Homestead Grants. What were some of the problems they encountered?

Mining activities in Little Cottonwood Canyon began in the mid-1860s. Soon, smelters were constructed at the mouth of the canyon to process the ore. At least four smelters and one stamp mill were built. Two of these smelters were in the present boundaries of our city, which ones were they?

What Butler resident, when chided by family and friends for settling on a gravelly arid piece of property located in Butler, gave this prophetic reply? “You just wait and see, this country is going to blossom like a rose.”

The Homestead Act of 1862 was passed to help in the population of the west with farmers. It was available to citizens and immigrants. Many of the homesteaders within our City boundaries were immigrants. Being new to our country and not speaking the language presented problems for some of those applying for Homestead Grants. What were some of the problems they encountered?